2014 Australian Guineas Betting Preview and Tips

A total of 14 talented runners have been confirmed for the 2014 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday; all hopeful of laying their claims on one of the Autumn calendar’s most sought-after Group 1 prizes.

Thunder Fantasy will jump from the ideal barrier 6 in the 2014 Australian Guineas on Saturday. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

2014 CS Hayes Stakes Champion Hucklebuck currently leads betting markets for the 2014 Australian Guineas at a quote of $3.80, ahead of Eurozone ($4.20), Shamus Award ($5) and The Quarterback ($11).

Will Hucklebuck continue his keen run of form in the Australian Guineas, or can Shamus Award return to the Group 1 winners circle?

1st

Thunder Fantasy

Thunder Fantasy experienced something of a meteoric rise to prominence in his spring preparation, following up wins in the Windsor Glass Handicap (1400m) and NSW Colour TV Company Handicap (1600m) with a memorable third behind Polanski and Complacent in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m). Having returned to the track in scintillating form in 2014, Thunder Fantasy claimed the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) with ease first-up and has drawn the ideal barrier 6 for the Guineas on Saturday.

2nd

Eurozone

Eurozone has scored an impressive four wins from only seven starts since debuting on track in June last year. Having closed his maiden preparation with a good win over Criterion and Aussies Love Sport in the Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes (1500m), Eurozone was unlucky to finish second in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) first-up on February 8th and will be particularly tough to beat from barrier 5 this weekend.

3rd

Hucklebuck

Talented three-year-old Hucklebuck has claimed an incredible five wins and two places from his seven competitive starts to date, and has returned to the track in 2014 in near-perfect form after taking out the Dominant Handicap (1200m) and Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) already this month. Trainer Philip Stokes has an understandably high opinion of the exciting Elvstroem gelding, and is confident of a maiden Group 1 title this weekend, despite drawing the slightly awkward barrier 8.

Do you agree with our tips, or should 2013 Cox Plate Champion Shamus Award figure in the top three?